Take 5 With Aric Van Gaalen

Baseball Canada’s national senior team recently returned from Bradenton, Fla., where it took part in a tournament to qualify for this year’s World Cup in Holland, which will take place Sept. 2-17. One of the pitchers on that team, Aric Van Gaalen, recently spoke with Baseball Canada.ca and offered his thoughts on a few subjects. To read more, simply follow below.

BC: How did it feel to be named to your first national team (playing in the World Cup qualification tournament)?

Van Gaalen: I was excited. To be chosen to represent your country and to play with guys who’ve played professionally, it was a really good feeling.

BC: What did you think of your overall experience playing in the World Cup qualification tournament?

Van Gaalen: It was probably the best experience I’ve ever had. It was exciting to play against other countries and see what the world has to offer.

BC: Having played for St. Petersburg College (in St. Petersburg, Fla.), what were your impressions of the U.S. collegiate sports atmosphere?

Van Gaalen: It’s definitely a lot different from that of Canada. The talent and expectations are a lot higher. It’s a little more serious than in Canada. The coaches are a lot more into it, having coached in the minors and then bringing that experience to the college level. It’s a lot more intense.

BC: Who was your baseball idol growing up?

Van Gaalen: Randy Johnson. He’s tall and left-handed like me. I don’t throw as hard as him but one day I hope to.

BC: You have a tattoo located on both of your shoulders. What’s the significance of your (tribal) tattoos?

Van Gaalen: I just like them. I thought they looked cool. My family has tattoos – both of my sisters and my mom and dad. I guess you could say it’s kind of a family thing.

Aric Van Gaalen, 20, is currently completing his baseball season with the Prairie Baseball Academy (Lethbridge, Alta.), a collegiate program affiliated with Lethbridge Community College. This summer, he will be playing for the Edmonton Big River Prospects of the Western Major Baseball League, a Canadian collegiate wood-bat league. Baseball Canada national senior team coaches Gord Gerlach and Mark Randall are also involved with the team, serving as manager and general manager, respectively.